Authorities are investigating allegations that stray dogs are being trapped in Rangamati and smuggled into India ahead of a spring festival, raising concerns over animal welfare, cross-border crime and public health.
Authorities investigate trade amid legal and public health concerns.
Allegations have emerged that stray dogs are being trapped in Rangamati district near the Bangladesh-India border and trafficked into India ahead of a seasonal festival, prompting concern among residents and officials.
Residents and local activists say authorities should act quickly to investigate the allegations, dismantle any trafficking networks and prevent similar incidents in the future.
According to local sources, hunters are setting traps in Langadu upazila and capturing stray dogs before transporting them by boat across Kaptai Lake. The captured dogs are allegedly taken to Barkal and then smuggled across the border into Mizoram.
Residents say the trade has intensified ahead of the popular spring festival known locally as Chapchar Kut, which is celebrated in March. Reports circulating on social media claim that demand for dog meat rises during this period.
Local sources allege that each dog is being sold for between 10,000 and 12,000 Bangladeshi taka depending on size.
The issue came to light after discussions spread widely online, drawing the attention of local authorities. Officials said the allegations are still under investigation and no arrests have been confirmed so far.
The alleged trade could violate animal protection laws in both Bangladesh and India. Under Bangladesh’s Animal Welfare Act 2019, killing or removing ownerless dogs is a punishable offense. Authorities in Mizoram also amended legislation in 2020 banning the slaughter and consumption of dog meat in the state.
Some individuals accused of hunting the dogs reportedly told locals they had come from Barkal and were capturing the animals for meat consumption.
Officials say the matter raises both legal and public health concerns.
Dr Debaraj Chakma, a veterinary surgeon at the district livestock office in Rangamati, said hunting of stray dogs could increase around festival seasons but described the allegations as worrying from both legal and health perspectives.
District Livestock Officer Dr Moinul Islam Chowdhury said Section 7 of the Animal Welfare Act 2019 clearly states that killing or removing ownerless dogs is a punishable offense.
He warned that stray dogs can carry diseases including rabies, making the consumption of such meat a potential public health risk.
Officials also noted that removing vaccinated dogs from an area can create gaps that allow unvaccinated animals to move in, increasing the likelihood of disease transmission.
Although the consumption of dog meat has historically existed within some communities in parts of the region, officials say greater awareness and enforcement of existing laws are necessary.
Animal welfare advocates in South Asia have increasingly raised concerns about illegal animal trafficking across porous borders in remote hill regions.
